MILLINGTON, TN (abc24.com) - Millington Police Chief Ray Douglas is resigning, effective this Friday, June 8.
Millington Mayor Linda Carter said at a June 6 news conference that she had no prior knowledge of the chief's sudden departure; Douglas told Mayor Carter he was leaving to "pursue other avenues," but was not specific, she said.
Carter did state, however, that the resignation was unrelated to an investigation into a gambling ring among city officials. Investigators had said that Chief Douglas was present when former mayor Richard Hodges gambled at a local repair shop; Hodges faces bribery charges connected to his gambling and debts.
Lt. Rita Stanback with the Millington Police Department will serve as the Interim Police Chief. The mayor said at this time there is no timeline for filling the position permanently; Stanback told abc24.com that she would consider seeking the post.
Douglas was not present at the news conference, but Hodges did attend. He did not comment on the chief's resignation other than to say that Stanback as the Interim Police Chief was "an excellent choice."